Friday 12th

Another day another dress rehearsal for all the volunteers. But a much shorter day as today was the Opening Ceremony. Today I got to give newbies the guided tour including the super posh upper levels of the arena with amazing views over the arena, where the heads of state and special invited guests will be catered for as well as meeting rooms for judges and technical officials. The whole arena is a maze of offices and rooms.
In the evening, us international volunteers headed out for a lovely meal and to catch the opening ceremony on the big screen on the boulevard in Baku. A beautiful setting - and amazing to be part of the crowd that went wild when Azerbaijan walked in but when Lady Gaga walked in, I walked out.
Got lost trying to find the metro station but a series of lovely people helped us including a great wee lady who gave us a guided tour of the Ancient City to get to the metro even though she lived on the opposite side of the city.
Last night of frivolity as podium training starts tomorrow.

The Azerbaijan clock - all time in Azerbaijan is set by this clock.

The University

The old city

Part of Maiden Tower - a UNESCO Heritage site

Me at Maiden Tower

The entrance to Maiden Tower

Fountains abound in Baku

Random lovely building

Us at opening ceremony big screen

Me at the opening ceremony party

Ceremony on the big screen

The flame towers lit up with Azerbaijan flag

The flame on the flames

Baku boulevard

On the boulevard

The gymnastics arena

Gymnastics arena

View of the flames from my hotel terrace